Leeds United target Cody Gakpo is ‘on the rise’ and would ‘offer something fans have been missing’ since Raphinha’s Elland Road departure, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. Raphinha completed a £55million switch to La Liga giants Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but head coach Jesse Marsch was unable to sign Gakpo ahead of last week’s deadline.
It is understood that Leeds are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Gakpo and, having made the PSV Eindhoven winger their top target, will push to strike a deal in January.
According to The Athletic, director of football Victor Orta travelled to the Netherlands in an attempt to reach an agreement on deadline day.
But the report suggests PSV were unwilling to sell Gakpo – who is already into double figures for goal contributions this season – so late in the transfer window and, instead, are hopeful of agreeing a lucrative new contract.